Washing machine appliances and methods for washing articles therein

ABSTRACT

Washing machine appliances and methods for washing articles in washing machine appliances are provided. A method includes flowing a warm water volume into a tub, and performing a first agitation cycle after flowing the warm water volume into the tub. The method further includes flowing a hot water volume into the tub, and performing a second agitation cycle after flowing the hot water volume into the tub and after an additive has been added to the tub. The method further includes draining water from the tub after performing the second agitation cycle, and flowing a cold water volume into the tub after draining the water from the tub. The method further includes draining water from the tub after flowing the cold water volume into the tub, and performing an extraction cycle after flowing the cold water volume into the tub and draining the water from the tub.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machineappliances and methods for washing articles therein, and particularly tothe sanitation of articles during washing thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a cabinet which supports atub for containing wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach and/orother wash additives. A basket is mounted within the tub and defines awash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During operation ofsuch washing machine appliances, wash fluid is directed into the tub andonto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or anagitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articleswithin the wash chamber in the wash fluid, to wring wash fluid fromarticles within the wash chamber, etc.

Many washing machine appliances utilize sanitization cycles forgenerally sanitizing articles being washed therein. Historically,sanitization cycles utilized thermal sanitization, heating water in thetub to relatively high temperatures (such as above hot watertemperatures, for example such as above 130 degrees Fahrenheit) forprolonged time periods to sanitize articles within the tub. However,such approaches are both energy and time intensive, resulting in overallwash cycles that can last over 2 hours and in some cases over 2.5 hours.

More recently, various additives in combination with specificallytailored sanitization cycles have been utilized to sanitize articles.U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0013075, filed on Jan. 15,2015 and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety,discloses the use of additives with multiple hot water fills andmultiple prolonged agitation periods for sanitization purposes. However,the requirements of multiple hot water fills and multiple prolongedagitation periods still require undesirably high energy and timeinvestments.

An additional issue with presently known sanitization cycles is that thehigh temperature water utilized in such cycles can have an undesirableeffect on some stains, such as blood. Rather than assisting in removingsuch stains from articles in the tub, the high temperature water can“lock-in” the stain.

Accordingly, improved washing machine appliances and methods for washingarticles which provide improved sanitization cycles would beadvantageous. In particular, improved sanitization at reduced time andenergy levels would be desired. Further, improved stain removal incombination with sanitization would be desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a methodfor washing articles in a washing machine appliance is provided. Thewashing machine appliance has a drum positioned within a tub. The drumdefines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The methodincludes flowing a hot water volume into the tub to a predetermined filllevel, wherein the hot water volume is the only water volume flowed at ahot temperature into the tub, and performing an agitation cycle for apredetermined time period after flowing the hot water volume into thetub and after a detergent and an additive have been added to the tub.The method further includes draining water from the tub after performingthe agitation cycle, and flowing a cold water volume into the tub to apredetermined fill level after draining the water from the tub. Themethod further includes draining water from the tub after flowing thecold water volume into the tub, and performing an extraction cycle for apredetermined time period after flowing the cold water volume into thetub and draining the water from the tub.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod for washing articles in a washing machine appliance is provided.The washing machine appliance has a drum positioned within a tub. Thedrum defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Themethod includes flowing a hot water volume into the tub to apredetermined fill level, wherein the hot water volume is at atemperature of between approximately 110 and approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit and is the only water volume flowed at a hot temperature intothe tub, and performing an agitation cycle for a predetermined timeperiod after flowing the hot water volume into the tub and after adetergent and an additive have been added to the tub, the additiveincluding an oxidizing agent. The method further includes flowing a coldwater volume into the tub after performing the agitation cycle, whereinthe cold water volume is at a temperature of between approximately 50and approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and performing a subsequentagitation cycle for a predetermined time period after flowing the coldwater volume into the tub. The method further includes draining waterfrom the tub after performing the agitation cycle and the subsequentagitation cycle, and flowing a cold water volume into the tub to apredetermined fill level after draining the water from the tub. Themethod further includes draining water from the tub after flowing thecold water volume into the tub, and performing an extraction cycle for apredetermined time period after flowing the cold water volume into thetub and draining the water from the tub.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod for washing articles in a washing machine appliance is provided.The washing machine appliance has a drum positioned within a tub. Thedrum defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Themethod includes flowing a warm water volume into the tub to apredetermined fill level, and performing a first agitation cycle for apredetermined time period after flowing the warm water volume into thetub and after a detergent has been added to the tub. The method furtherincludes flowing a hot water volume into the tub to a predetermined filllevel, and performing a second agitation cycle for a predetermined timeperiod after flowing the hot water volume into the tub and after anadditive has been added to the tub. The method further includes drainingwater from the tub after performing the second agitation cycle, andflowing a cold water volume into the tub to a predetermined fill levelafter draining the water from the tub. The method further includesdraining water from the tub after flowing the cold water volume into thetub, and performing an extraction cycle for a predetermined time periodafter flowing the cold water volume into the tub and draining the waterfrom the tub.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod for washing articles in a washing machine appliance is provided.The washing machine appliance has a drum positioned within a tub. Thedrum defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Themethod includes flowing a warm water volume into the tub to apredetermined fill level, wherein the warm water volume is at atemperature of between approximately 70 and approximately 105 degreesFahrenheit, and performing a first agitation cycle for a predeterminedtime period after flowing the warm water volume into the tub and after adetergent has been added to the tub. The method further includes flowinga hot water volume into the tub to a predetermined fill level, whereinthe hot water volume is at a temperature of between approximately 110and approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit and is the only water volumeflowed at a hot temperature into the tub, and performing a secondagitation cycle for a predetermined time period after flowing the hotwater volume into the tub and after a detergent and an additive havebeen added to the tub, the additive including an oxidizing agent. Themethod further includes flowing a cold water volume into the tub afterperforming the second agitation cycle, wherein the cold water volume isat a temperature of between approximately 50 and approximately 80degrees Fahrenheit, and performing a third agitation cycle for apredetermined time period after flowing the cold water volume into thetub. The method further includes draining water from the tub afterperforming the third agitation cycle, and flowing a cold water volumeinto the tub to a predetermined fill level after draining the water fromthe tub. The method further includes draining water from the tub afterflowing the cold water volume into the tub, and performing an extractioncycle for a predetermined time period after flowing the cold watervolume into the tub and draining the water from the tub.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, awashing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine applianceincludes a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, and a drumrotatably mounted within the tub, the drum defining a chamber forreceipt of items for washing. The washing machine appliance furtherincludes a motor in mechanical communication with the drum in order toselectively rotate the drum, and a controller in communication with themotor and the water inlet. The controller is configured for flowing ahot water volume into the tub to a predetermined fill level, wherein thehot water volume is the only water volume flowed at a hot temperatureinto the tub, and performing an agitation cycle for a predetermined timeperiod after flowing the hot water volume into the tub and after adetergent and an additive have been added to the tub. The controller isfurther configured for draining water from the tub after performing theagitation cycle, and flowing a cold water volume into the tub to apredetermined fill level after draining the water from the tub. Thecontroller is further configured for draining water from the tub afterflowing the cold water volume into the tub, and performing an extractioncycle for a predetermined time period after flowing the cold watervolume into the tub and draining the water from the tub.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, awashing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine applianceincludes a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, and a drumrotatably mounted within the tub, the drum defining a chamber forreceipt of items for washing. The washing machine appliance furtherincludes a motor in mechanical communication with the drum in order toselectively rotate the drum, and a controller in communication with themotor and the water inlet. The controller is configured for flowing awarm water volume into the tub to a predetermined fill level, andperforming a first agitation cycle for a predetermined time period afterflowing the warm water volume into the tub and after a detergent hasbeen added to the tub. The controller is further configured for flowinga hot water volume into the tub to a predetermined fill level, andperforming a second agitation cycle for a predetermined time periodafter flowing the hot water volume into the tub and after an additivehas been added to the tub. The controller is further configured fordraining water from the tub after performing the second agitation cycle,and flowing a cold water volume into the tub to a predetermined filllevel after draining the water from the tub. The controller is furtherconfigured for draining water from the tub after flowing the cold watervolume into the tub, and performing an extraction cycle for apredetermined time period after flowing the cold water volume into thetub and draining the water from the tub.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 provides a schematic view of a washing machine appliance inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of certain components of a washingmachine appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method for washing articles in a washingmachine appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary washing machine appliance 100. A drum120 of washing machine appliance 100 rotates about a substantiallyhorizontal axis. Thus, washing machine appliance 100 is generallyreferred to as a horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100. However,while described in the context of washing machine appliance 100, usingthe teachings disclosed herein, it will be understood that washingmachine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washingmachine appliances having different configurations, differentappearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with thepresent subject matter as well, such as vertical axis washing machineappliances.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 with a tub 122 mountedtherein. Tub 122 is configured for containing wash fluid duringoperation of washing machine appliance 100. Drum 120 is rotatablymounted within tub 122. Drum 120 extends between a top portion 146 (FIG.2) and a bottom portion 148 (FIG. 2). Top and bottom portions 146 and148 of drum 120 are, e.g., vertically, spaced apart from each other. Amotor 142 (FIG. 3) is in mechanical communication with drum 120 in orderto selectively rotate drum 120 (e.g., during an agitation, a spin, or atumble cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Drum 120 defines a washchamber 121 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. Ribs126 may extend from drum 120 into wash chamber 121. Ribs 126 assist withagitating articles disposed within wash chamber 121 during operation ofwashing machine appliance 100. For example, ribs 126 may lift articlesdisposed in drum 120 to top portion 146 of drum 120 during rotation ofdrum 120 and such articles may subsequently fall to bottom portion 148of drum 120. Drum 120 also defines a plurality of holes 124. Holes 124are configured to permit a flow of wash fluid and/or air between washchamber 121 of drum 120 and tub 122. A detergent drawer 106 is slidablymounted within cabinet 102. Detergent drawer 106 receives detergent anddirects the detergent to wash chamber 121 or tub 122 during operation ofappliance 100. Detergent drawer 106 may further receive variousadditives as discussed herein and direct the additives to wash chamber121 or tub 122 during operation of appliance 100.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance defines an opening 105 thatpermits user access to wash chamber 121 of drum 120. A door 130 ismounted to cabinet 102 at opening 105 with a hinge 140. A window 136 indoor 130 permits viewing of wash chamber 121 during operation ofappliance 100. Door 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a usermay pull when opening and closing door 130. Latch 134 is configured forselectively securing door 130 in a closed position.

A control panel 110 with a plurality of input selectors 112 is alsomounted to cabinet 102. Control panel 110 and input selectors 112collectively form a user interface for operator selection of machinecycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 130 indicatesselected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest toappliance users.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic view of one embodiment of washing machineappliance 100. As may be seen in FIG. 2, washing machine appliance 100includes a cold water inlet 150 and a hot water inlet 152. Cold waterinlet 150 is in fluid communication with a water source, such as amunicipal water main or a well. Thus, cold water inlet 150 is configuredfor receipt of relatively cold water from the water source. A cold waterconduit 154 extends between and fluidly connects cold water inlet 150and detergent drawer 106. Thus, relatively cold water from cold waterinlet 150 can flow through cold water conduit 154 to detergent drawer106. Conversely, hot water inlet 152 is in fluid communication with ahot water source, such as a hot water heater. Thus, hot water inlet 152is configured for receipt of relatively hot water from the hot watersource. A hot water conduit 156 extends between and fluidly connects hotwater inlet 152 and detergent drawer 106. Thus, relatively hot waterfrom hot water inlet 152 can flow through hot water conduit 156 todetergent drawer 106. As will be understood by those skilled in the artand as used herein, the term “water” includes purified water andsolutions or mixtures containing water and, e.g., elements (such ascalcium, chlorine, and fluorine), salts, bacteria, nitrates, organics,and other chemical compounds or substances.

An inlet conduit 158 extends between and fluidly connects detergentdrawer 106 and drum 120 or tub 122. Thus, fluid within detergent drawer106 can flow through inlet conduit 158 into wash chamber 121 of drum 120or tub 122. As an example, a user can add detergent and an additive,such as bleach, fabric softener, other additives as discussed herein,etc., to detergent drawer 106. Water from cold water inlet 150 and/orhot water inlet 152 can flow into detergent drawer 106 and mix withfluid additive to form a wash fluid. Such wash fluid can flow throughinlet conduit 158 into wash chamber 121 of drum 120 or tub 122 in orderto assist with cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber 121.

Washing machine appliance 100 also includes a sump 160, e.g., positionedat bottom portion 148 of drum 120 or a bottom portion (not shown) of tub122 positioned at or proximate bottom portion 148 of drum 120. Liquidswithin wash chamber 121 can collect within sump 160 during operation ofwashing machine appliance 100, e.g., due to gravity. A drain conduit 162is configured for directing liquids out of sump 160. In particular, adrain pump 164 is in configured for urging liquids out of sump 160through drain conduit 162. Liquids within drain conduit 162 are directedout of washing machine appliance 100, e.g., to a sewer or septic system.In particular, drain pump 164 can urge liquids within sump 160 out ofwashing machine appliance 100 through drain conduit 162. As an example,drain pump 164 can be activated during a drain cycle of washing machineappliance 100 in order to remove dirty or used wash fluid from sump 160.

An exhaust conduit 166, e.g., positioned at top portion 146 of drum 120or a top portion (not shown) of tub 122 positioned at or proximate topportion 146 of drum 120, is configured for directed gases, e.g., air,out of wash chamber 121 of drum 120 and/or tub 122. In particular, anair handler or fan 168 is in configured for urging gases out of washchamber 121 of drum 120 and/or tub 122 through exhaust conduit 166.Gases within exhaust conduit 166 are directed out of washing machineappliance 100, e.g., to an exterior atmosphere. In particular, fan 168can urge gases within wash chamber 121 of drum 120 and/or tub 122 out ofwashing machine appliance 100 through exhaust conduit 166. As anexample, fan 168 can be activated after a wash cycle of washing machineappliance 100 in order to hinder mildew or mold growth within washchamber 121 after the wash cycle.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of certain components of washingmachine appliance 100. As may be seen in FIG. 3, washing machineappliance 100 includes a processing device or controller 144. Operationof washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by controller 144.

Controller 144 includes memory and one or more processing devices suchas microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purposemicroprocessors operable to execute programming instructions ormicro-control code associated with operation of washing machineappliance 100. The memory can represent random access memory such asDRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. The processor executesprogramming instructions stored in the memory. The memory can be aseparate component from the processor or can be included onboard withinthe processor. Alternatively, controller 144 may be constructed withoutusing a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analogand/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers,integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) toperform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Controller 144 is operatively coupled to various components of washingmachine appliance 100. For example, washing machine appliance 100includes control panel 110 for user manipulation to select washingmachine cycles and features. Controller 144 is in communication withcontrol panel 110. Thus, in response to user manipulation of controlpanel 110, controller 144 operates the various components of washingmachine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

As an example, a user can load articles for washing into wash chamber121, and the user can initiate washing operation through manipulation ofinput selectors 112 of control panel 110. Controller 144 then actuatescold water inlet 150 and/or hot water inlet 152 in order to fill drum120 and/or tub 122 with water and/or detergent and additives to form awash fluid in the manner discussed above. Once drum 120 and/or tub 122is properly filled with wash fluid, controller 144 activates motor 142in order to, for example, agitate the articles within wash chamber 121with ribs 126 and assist with cleansing such articles.

After one or more agitation cycles of a wash cycle are completed,controller 144 activates drain pump 164 to remove wash fluid from drum120 and/or tub 122. Articles can then be rinsed by adding relativelyclean fluid to drum 120 and/or tub 122 and, depending on the particularsof the cleaning cycle selected by a user, ribs 126 may again provideagitation within wash chamber 121. One or more spin cycles may also beused. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycleand/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from thearticles being washed. During a spin cycle, drum 120 is rotated atrelatively high speeds.

As mentioned, water can be flowed into drum 120 and/or tub 122 from coldwater inlet 150 and/or hot water inlet 152. A volume of water, i.e., anamount of water that is provided into drum 120 and/or tub 122 during asingle fill, can be a hot water volume and thus be at a hot temperaturewhen flowed into the drum 120 and/or tub 122, or can be a warm watervolume and thus be at a warm temperature when flowed into the drum 120and/or tub 122, or can be a cold water volume and thus be at a coldtemperature when flowed into the drum 120 and/or tub 122. A hottemperature, and thus the temperature of a hot water volume, may forexample be between approximately 110 and approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit, such as between approximately 115 and approximately 125degrees Fahrenheit. A warm temperature, and thus the temperature of awarm water volume, may for example be between approximately 70 andapproximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit, such as between approximately 75and approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit. A cold temperature, and thusthe temperature of a cold water volume, may for example be betweenapproximately 50 and approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit, such asbetween approximately 55 and approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A coldwater volume may be obtained through operation of the cold water inlet150 to flow water therethrough while not operating the hot water inlet152. A hot water volume may be obtained through operation of the hotwater inlet 152 to flow water therethrough while not operating the coldwater inlet 150. A warm water volume may be obtained through operationof the cold water inlet 150 and the hot water inlet 152 to flow watertherethrough.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method 200 for operating a washingmachine appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the presentsubject matter. Such methods can advantageously provide improved washingmachine appliance when sanitization of articles is required, by forexample, advantageously requiring only a single hot water fill and/orutilizing relatively shorter time periods for particular agitationcycles. Further, such methods can advantageously provide improved stainremoval by utilizing initial warm water fills when sanitization ofarticles is required, thus treating rather than “locking-in” certainstains such as blood stains. In exemplary embodiments, controller 144can generally be programmed to implement such methods, and thus may beconfigured to perform the various steps thereof.

A method in accordance with the present disclosure may include, forexample, the step 210 of flowing a warm water volume into the tub 122 toa predetermined fill level. The predetermined fill level is a totalliquid level within the tub 122. The predetermined fill level may forexample be dependent upon the article volume size, and thus for examplemay be based on the weight of the articles in the tub 122. For example,the predetermined fill level may be between approximately 0.4 andapproximately 1.0 gallons per pound of articles within the tub 122. Insome embodiments, the predetermined fill level may be betweenapproximately 3 and approximately 7 gallons.

Method 200 may further include the step 212 of performing a firstagitation cycle for a predetermined time period. Such step 212 mayoccur, for example, after step 210. Further, such step 212 may occurafter a detergent has been added to the tub 122, such as via detergentdrawer 106, by hand, or via another suitable delivery apparatus ormethod.

The first agitation cycle generally agitates the articles and washfluid, including the warm water volume and detergent, within the tub122. In exemplary embodiments, such step 212 may include rotating thedrum 120 in the first agitation cycle. Alternatively, such step 212 mayinclude rotating an agitation element relative to drum 120. Suchrotation of the drum 120 or agitation element may include various stepsof rotating and/or holding stationary to allow articles within the washchamber 121 to soak within the wash fluid. For example, the firstagitation cycle may include rotating for a rotation period of betweenapproximately 5 seconds and approximately 20 seconds, such as betweenapproximately 10 seconds and approximately 15 seconds, and may furtherinclude holding stationary for a soak period of between approximately 2seconds and approximately 10 seconds, such as between approximately 2seconds and approximately 6 seconds. The rotations of drum 120 oragitation element may be performed at any suitable speeds, such as forexample between approximately 30 revolutions per minute (“RPM”) andapproximately 60 RPM, such as between approximately 40 RPM andapproximately 50 RPM. Such rotation and holding may be repeated asrequired, and repeated rotations may occur in opposite directions, suchas clockwise, then counterclockwise, then clockwise, etc. Further,additional or alternative patterns of rotation (at any suitable speeds)and/or holding may be utilized in a first agitation cycle as desired orrequired.

As discussed, the first agitation cycle may be performed for apredetermined time period. In exemplary embodiments, the predeterminedtime period may be between approximately 15 minutes and approximately 30minutes, such as between approximately 15 and approximately 25 minutes.

As discussed, the use of warm water in accordance with steps 210 and 212may advantageously facilitate improved stain removal, particularly inthe case of stains such as blood which can become “locked-in” toassociated articles rather than removed when hot water is utilized forstain removal.

Method 200 may further include the step 220 of flowing a hot watervolume into the tub 122 to a predetermined fill level. The predeterminedfill level may for example be dependent upon the article load size, andthus for example may be based on the weight of the articles in the tub122. For example, the predetermined fill level may be betweenapproximately 0.4 and approximately 1.0 gallons per pound of articleswithin the tub 122. In some embodiments, the predetermined fill levelmay be between approximately 3 and approximately 7 gallons.

Further, when steps 210 and 212 are included in the method 200, step 220may occur after step 212. Hot water volume may be flowed into the tub122 to raise the temperature of the existing water from step 210 to adesired activation temperature for an additive as discussed herein. Suchactivation temperature may, for example, be between approximately 90degrees Fahrenheit and approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit, such asbetween approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit and approximately 105degrees Fahrenheit. A suitable temperature sensor (not shown) within tub122 and in communication with controller 144 may provide suchtemperature outputs to controller 144. The temperature may be raised tothe activation temperature while not exceeding a predetermined filllevel.

Method 200 may further include the step 222 of performing a secondagitation cycle for a predetermined time period. Such step 222 mayoccur, for example, after step 220. Further, such step 222 may occurafter an additive has been added to the tub 122, such as via detergentdrawer 106, by hand, or via another suitable delivery apparatus ormethod. Additionally, in embodiments wherein steps 210 and 212 are notutilized, such step 222 may occur after a detergent has been added tothe tub 122, such as via detergent drawer 106, by hand, or via anothersuitable delivery apparatus or method.

The second agitation cycle generally agitates the articles and washfluid, including the hot water volume, detergent and additive, withinthe tub 122. In exemplary embodiments, such step 222 may includerotating the drum 120 in the second agitation cycle. Alternatively, suchstep 222 may include rotating an agitation element relative to drum 120.Such rotation of the drum 120 or agitation element may include varioussteps of rotating and/or holding stationary to allow articles within thewash chamber 121 to soak within the wash fluid. For example, the secondagitation cycle may include rotating for a rotation period of betweenapproximately 5 seconds and approximately 20 seconds, such as betweenapproximately 10 seconds and approximately 15 seconds, and may furtherinclude holding stationary for a soak period of between approximately 2seconds and approximately 10 seconds, such as between approximately 2seconds and approximately 6 seconds. The rotations of drum 120 oragitation element may be performed at any suitable speeds, such as forexample between approximately 30 revolutions per minute (“RPM”) andapproximately 60 RPM, such as between approximately 40 RPM andapproximately 50 RPM. Such rotation and holding may be repeated asrequired, and repeated rotations may occur in opposite directions, suchas clockwise, then counterclockwise, then clockwise, etc. Further,additional or alternative patterns of rotation (at any suitable speeds)and/or holding may be utilized in a second agitation cycle as desired orrequired.

As discussed, the second agitation cycle may be performed for apredetermined time period. In exemplary embodiments, the predeterminedtime period may be between approximately 15 minutes and approximately 30minutes, such as between approximately 15 and approximately 25 minutes.

As discussed, an additive may be added to the tub 122, such as beforestep 222. The additive may include surfactants, emulsifiers, enzymeactivated stain removers, sudsing agents, builders, anti-redepositionpolymers and perfumes, etc., and may be an aqueous or non-aqueoussolution or mixture. The additive in exemplary embodiments includes anoxidizing agent. Oxidizing agents are active oxygen releasing compound,e.g., peroxides (peroxygen compounds) such as perborate, percarbonates,perphosphates, persilicates, persulfates, their sodium, ammonium,potassium and lithium analogs, calcium peroxide, zinc peroxide, sodiumperoxide, carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and the like. Theseagents also include peroxy acids and organic peroxides and variousmixtures thereof.

A peroxy acid is an acid in which an acidic —OH group has been replacedby an —OOH group. They are formed chiefly by elements in groups 14, 15and 16 of the periodic table, but boron and certain transition elementsare also known to form peroxy acids. Sulfur and phosphorus form thelargest range of peroxy acids, including some condensed forms such asperoxydiphosphoric acid, H₄P₂O₈ and peroxydisulfuric acid, H₂S₂O₈. Thisterm also includes compounds such as peroxy-carboxylic acids andmeta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA).

Organic peroxides are organic compounds containing the peroxidefunctional group (ROOR′). If the R′ is hydrogen, the compound is calledan organic hydroperoxide. Peresters have general structure RC(O)OOR. TheO—O bond easily breaks and forms free radicals of the form RO. Thismakes organic peroxides useful for cleaning purposes.

Oxidizing agents may be combined within a mixture that has a selectionof other material, such as one or more of the following: builders,surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleachboosters, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes,pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants, composition malodorcontrol agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer inhibitingagents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy metal ionsequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial agents,anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents, electrolytes, pHmodifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalent ions, metal ionsalts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, diamines or polyaminesand/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizing polymers, solvents, processaids, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds orfoam suppressors, suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, antistaticagents, dye fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents,wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, soil releasepolymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents,water soluble polymers, water swellable polymers and mixtures thereof.

In exemplary embodiments, the oxidizing agent is or includes sodiumpercarbonate, such as between approximately 30 and approximately 50percent sodium percarbonate. In exemplary embodiments when the additiveis added to the tub 122, the oxidizing agent may be greater than orequal to 0.3 grams per liter of wash fluid within the tub 122. Further,in exemplary embodiments, the additive may further include, for example,a bleach activator component such as sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate(NOBS), tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), or decanoyloxybenzoic acid(DOBA). In exemplary embodiments, the additive may include betweenapproximately 1% and approximately 7% bleach activator. Suitablecommercially available additives include, for example, OxiClean®products and Clorox 2® products.

Notably, in exemplary embodiments, the hot water volume utilized in step220 may be the only water volume that is flowed at a hot temperatureinto the tub 122, and thus the only hot water volume utilized during anoverall wash cycle that utilizes method 200. Accordingly, in exemplaryembodiments, any water volume other than the hot water volume utilizedin step 220 is either a cold water volume or a warm water volume. Thepresent inventors have discovered that the use of a single hot watervolume in accordance with the present disclosure and in combination withdetergent and an additive as discussed herein can advantageously reducecommon bacterial levels by, for example, 99.9%. Accordingly, use of asingle hot water volume is advantageously sufficient to provide desiredsanitization of articles in the volume. Such approach to sanitizationadvantageously reduces the energy and time levels associated with suchsanitization while advantageously retaining the desired sanitizationproperties.

Method 200 may further include, for example, the step 224 of drainingwater (as well as detergent and additive) from the tub 122. Drainconduit 162 and drain pump 164 may, for example, be utilized to drainsuch water, etc. as discussed above. Such step 224 may, for example,occur after step 222. In some embodiments, step 224 may occur directlyafter step 222. In other embodiments, additional steps as discussedherein may occur before step 224.

For example, method 200 may further include, for example, the step 230of flowing a cold water volume into the tub 122. Such step 230 mayoccur, for example, after step 222. Additionally, such step 230 mayoccur before step 224. In exemplary embodiments, cold water volume mayhave a predetermined size, such as for example, between approximately0.2 and approximately 0.8 gallons. The size of the cold water volume maybe small relative to the predetermined fill level of steps 210 and/or220, and may for example, be utilized simply as a flush of the detergentdrawer 106 and/or other suitable dispensing apparatus for bleach, otheradditives, etc.

Method 200 may further include the step 232 of performing a thirdagitation cycle for a predetermined time period. Such step 232 mayoccur, for example, after step 230 (and before step 224). The thirdagitation cycle generally agitates the articles and wash fluid,including the water volume from steps 210 and/or 220, detergent andadditive, and the cold water volume from step 230, within the tub 122.In exemplary embodiments, such step 232 may include rotating the drum120 in the third agitation cycle. Alternatively, such step 232 mayinclude rotating an agitation element relative to drum 120. Suchrotation of the drum 120 or agitation element may include various stepsof rotating and/or holding stationary to allow articles within the washchamber 121 to soak within the wash fluid. For example, the thirdagitation cycle may include rotating for a rotation period of betweenapproximately 5 seconds and approximately 20 seconds, such as betweenapproximately 10 seconds and approximately 15 seconds, and may furtherinclude holding stationary for a soak period of between approximately 2seconds and approximately 10 seconds, such as between approximately 2seconds and approximately 6 seconds. The rotations of drum 120 oragitation element may be performed at any suitable speeds, such as forexample between approximately 30 revolutions per minute (“RPM”) andapproximately 60 RPM, such as between approximately 40 RPM andapproximately 50 RPM. Such rotation and holding may be repeated asrequired, and repeated rotations may occur in opposite directions, suchas clockwise, then counterclockwise, then clockwise, etc. Further,additional or alternative patterns of rotation (at any suitable speeds)and/or holding may be utilized in a third agitation cycle as desired orrequired.

As discussed, the third agitation cycle may be performed for apredetermined time period. In exemplary embodiments, the predeterminedtime period may be between approximately 5 minutes and approximately 20minutes, such as between approximately 5 and approximately 15 minutes.

As discussed, draining step 224 may occur after step 222, as well as forexample after step 232. Method 200 may further include, for example, thestep 226 of performing a first extraction cycle for a predetermined timeperiod. Such step 226 may occur, for example, after step 224. Inexemplary embodiments, such step 226 may include rotating the drum 120in the first extraction cycle. The first extraction cycle may extractwater (as well as detergent and additive) from the articles within thewash chamber 121. Rotation of the drum 120 in the first extraction cyclemay occur for example at a generally higher speed than any of theagitation cycle discussed herein, such as for example betweenapproximately 300 RPM and approximately 1200 RPM. The predetermined timeperiod for the first extraction cycle may, for example, be betweenapproximately 5 minutes and approximately 15 minutes.

Method 200 may further include, for example, the step 240 of flowing acold water volume into the tub 122 to a predetermined fill level. Suchstep 240 may occur, for example, after steps 224 and 226. Thepredetermined fill level is a total liquid level within the tub 122. Thepredetermined fill level may for example be dependent upon the articleload size, and thus for example may be based on the weight of thearticles in the tub 122. For example, the predetermined fill level maybe between approximately 0.4 and approximately 1.0 gallons per pound ofarticles within the tub 122. In some embodiments, the predetermined filllevel may be between approximately 3 and approximately 7 gallons.

In some embodiments, methods 200 may further include, for example, thestep of performing a fourth agitation cycle for a predetermined timeperiod. Such step may, for example, occur after step 240. The fourthagitation cycle may for example be performed in accordance with thevariables of the first, second or third agitation cycles as discussedabove. In exemplary embodiments, the predetermined time period may forexample be between approximately 1 minute and approximately 5 minutes.

Method 200 may further include, for example, the step 242 of drainingwater (as well as detergent and additive) from the tub 122. Drainconduit 162 and drain pump 164 may, for example, be utilized to drainsuch water, etc. as discussed above. Such step 242 may, for example,occur after step 240 as well as after the optional agitation stepsubsequent to step 240.

Method 200 may further include, for example, the step 244 of performinga subsequent second extraction cycle for a predetermined time period.Such step 244 may occur, for example, after step 240, the optionalagitation step subsequent to step 240, and step 242. In exemplaryembodiments, such step 244 may include rotating the drum 120 in thesecond extraction cycle. The second extraction cycle may extract water(as well as detergent and additive) from the articles within the washchamber 121. Rotation of the drum 120 in the second extraction cycle mayoccur for example at a generally higher speed than any of the agitationcycle discussed herein, such as for example between approximately 300RPM and approximately 1200 RPM. The predetermined time period for thesecond extraction cycle may, for example, be between approximately 5minutes and approximately 15 minutes.

In some embodiments, upon ceasing of step 244, the overall wash cyclemay end. Alternatively, a second series of steps may be utilized tofurther rinse the articles and thus remove remaining detergent and/oradditive and to repeat the subsequent extraction. Accordingly, methods200 may further include, for example, the step 250 of flowing a coldwater volume into the tub 122 to a predetermined fill level. Such step250 may occur, for example, after step 244. The predetermined fill levelis a total liquid level within the tub 122. The predetermined fill levelmay for example be dependent upon the article load size, and thus forexample may be based on the weight of the articles in the tub 122. Forexample, the predetermined fill level may be between approximately 0.4and approximately 1.0 gallons per pound of articles within the tub 122.In some embodiments, the predetermined fill level may be betweenapproximately 3 and approximately 7 gallons.

In some embodiments, methods 200 may further include, for example, thestep of performing a fifth agitation cycle for a predetermined timeperiod. Such step may, for example, occur after step 250. The fifthagitation cycle may for example be performed in accordance with thevariables of the first, second, third or fourth agitation cycles asdiscussed above. In exemplary embodiments, the predetermined time periodmay for example be between approximately 1 minute and approximately 5minutes.

Method 200 may further include, for example, the step 252 of drainingwater (as well as detergent and additive) from the tub 122. Drainconduit 162 and drain pump 164 may, for example, be utilized to drainsuch water, etc. as discussed above. Such step 252 may, for example,occur after step 250 as well as after the optional agitation stepsubsequent to step 250.

Method 200 may further include, for example, the step 254 of performinga subsequent third extraction cycle for a predetermined time period.Such step 254 may occur, for example, after step 250, the optionalagitation step subsequent to step 250, and step 252. In exemplaryembodiments, such step 254 may include rotating the drum 120 in thethird extraction cycle. The third extraction cycle may extract water (aswell as detergent and additive) from the articles within the washchamber 121. Rotation of the drum 120 in the third extraction cycle mayoccur for example at a generally higher speed than any of the agitationcycle discussed herein, such as for example between approximately 300RPM and approximately 1200 RPM. The predetermined time period for thethird extraction cycle may, for example, be between approximately 5minutes and approximately 15 minutes.

In some embodiments, upon ceasing of step 254, the overall wash cyclemay end. Alternatively, a third or more series of steps may be utilizedto further rinse the articles and thus remove remaining detergent and/oradditive and to repeat the subsequent extraction. In exemplaryembodiments, upon ceasing of such steps, the overall wash cycle may end.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for washing articles in a washingmachine appliance, the washing machine appliance having a drumpositioned within a tub, the drum defining a wash chamber for receipt ofarticles for washing, the method comprising: flowing a warm water volumeinto the tub to a predetermined fill level; performing a first agitationcycle for a predetermined time period after flowing the warm watervolume into the tub and after a detergent has been added to the tub;flowing a hot water volume into the tub to a predetermined fill level;performing a second agitation cycle for a predetermined time periodafter flowing the hot water volume into the tub and after an additivehas been added to the tub; draining water from the tub after performingthe second agitation cycle; flowing a cold water volume into the tub toa predetermined fill level after draining the water from the tub;draining water from the tub after flowing the cold water volume into thetub; and performing an extraction cycle for a predetermined time periodafter flowing the cold water volume into the tub and draining the waterfrom the tub.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the hot water volume isthe only water volume flowed at a hot temperature into the tub.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein performing the first agitation cyclecomprises rotating the drum in the first agitation cycle, whereinperforming the second agitation cycle comprises rotating the drum in thesecond agitation cycle, and wherein performing the extraction cyclecomprises rotating the drum in the extraction cycle.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the warm water volume is at a temperature of betweenapproximately 70 and approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the hot water volume is at a temperature of betweenapproximately 110 and approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the predetermined time period for performingthe first agitation cycle is between approximately 15 and approximately30 minutes, and wherein the predetermined time period for performing thesecond agitation cycle is between approximately 15 and approximately 30minutes.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the cold water volume is at atemperature of between approximately 50 and approximately 80 degreesFahrenheit.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: flowing a coldwater volume into the tub after performing the second agitation cycleand before draining the water; and performing a third agitation cyclefor a predetermined time period after flowing the cold water volume intothe tub and before draining the water.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinthe predetermined time period for performing the third agitation cycleis between approximately 5 and approximately 15 minutes.
 10. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: flowing a subsequent cold water volumeinto the tub to a predetermined fill level after performing theextraction cycle; draining water from the tub after flowing thesubsequent cold water volume into the tub; and performing a subsequentextraction cycle for a predetermined time period after flowing thesubsequent cold water volume into the tub and draining the water fromthe tub.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive comprises anoxidizing agent.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the oxidizing agentis greater than or equal to 0.3 grams per liter of wash fluid within thetub.
 13. A method for washing articles in a washing machine appliance,the washing machine appliance having a drum positioned within a tub, thedrum defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, themethod comprising: flowing a warm water volume into the tub to apredetermined fill level, wherein the warm water volume is at atemperature of between approximately 70 and approximately 105 degreesFahrenheit; performing a first agitation cycle for a predetermined timeperiod after flowing the warm water volume into the tub and after adetergent has been added to the tub; flowing a hot water volume into thetub to a predetermined fill level, wherein the hot water volume is at atemperature of between approximately 110 and approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit and is the only water volume flowed at a hot temperature intothe tub; performing a second agitation cycle for a predetermined timeperiod after flowing the hot water volume into the tub and after adetergent and an additive have been added to the tub, the additivecomprising an oxidizing agent; flowing a cold water volume into the tubafter performing the second agitation cycle, wherein the cold watervolume is at a temperature of between approximately 50 and approximately80 degrees Fahrenheit; performing a third agitation cycle for apredetermined time period after flowing the cold water volume into thetub; draining water from the tub after performing the third agitationcycle; flowing a cold water volume into the tub to a predetermined filllevel after draining the water from the tub; draining water from the tubafter flowing the cold water volume into the tub; and performing anextraction cycle for a predetermined time period after flowing the coldwater volume into the tub and draining the water from the tub.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, wherein performing the first agitation cyclecomprises rotating the drum in the first agitation cycle, whereinperforming the second agitation cycle comprises rotating the drum in thesecond agitation cycle, wherein performing the third agitation cyclecomprises rotating the drum in the third agitation cycle, and whereinperforming the extraction cycle comprises rotating the drum in theextraction cycle.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the predeterminedtime period for performing the first agitation cycle is betweenapproximately 15 and approximately 30 minutes, and wherein thepredetermined time period for performing the second agitation cycle isbetween approximately 15 and approximately 30 minutes.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the predetermined time period for performing the thirdagitation cycle is between approximately 5 and approximately 15 minutes.17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: flowing a subsequentcold water volume into the tub to a predetermined fill level afterperforming the extraction cycle; draining water from the tub afterflowing the subsequent cold water volume into the tub; and performing asubsequent extraction cycle for a predetermined time period afterflowing the subsequent cold water volume into the tub and draining thewater from the tub.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the oxidizingagent is greater than or equal to 0.3 grams per liter of wash fluidwithin the tub.
 19. A washing machine appliance, comprising: a cabinet;a tub positioned within the cabinet; a drum rotatably mounted within thetub, the drum defining a chamber for receipt of items for washing; amotor in mechanical communication with the drum in order to selectivelyrotate the drum; and a controller in communication with the motor andthe water inlet, the controller configured for: flowing a warm watervolume into the tub to a predetermined fill level; performing a firstagitation cycle for a predetermined time period after flowing the warmwater volume into the tub and after a detergent has been added to thetub; flowing a hot water volume into the tub to a predetermined filllevel; performing a second agitation cycle for a predetermined timeperiod after flowing the hot water volume into the tub and after anadditive has been added to the tub; draining water from the tub afterperforming the second agitation cycle; flowing a cold water volume intothe tub to a predetermined fill level after draining the water from thetub; draining water from the tub after flowing the cold water volumeinto the tub; and performing an extraction cycle for a predeterminedtime period after flowing the cold water volume into the tub anddraining the water from the tub.
 20. The washing machine appliance ofclaim 19, wherein the hot water volume is the only water volume flowedat a hot temperature into the tub.